2016 National League MLB Predictions: Cubs and Mets Dominate
For me, the National League is just much more interesting to me than the American League (with the possible exception of the AL East). The NL East saw the Washington Nationals slip into dysfunction and the New York Mets unleash a full rotation of dominant young pitching. The NL Central is likely the most competitive division from top to bottom, and the Chicago Cubs look like they are relevant once again. The NL West is loaded with great pitchers in big pitchers’ parks. It’s going to be a fun year.
NL East:
1. New York Mets (92-70): A full rotation of some of the best arms in baseball got the New York Mets to the World Series. With most of the offense back and another year to get used to an unfamiliar winning culture, I expect the Mets to be even better.
2. Washington Nationals (88-74): The Washington Nationals were so dysfunctional last season that a washed up closed started a physical altercation with the best player in baseball. That said, the pitching is still there and they have enough pieces to really compete in 2016.
3. Miami Marlins (78-84): Injuries derailed the season for the Marlins last year. As a Yankee fan, the impacts of losing your ace are obvious to me. Coupled with losing your best player, and it’s just a disaster. With everyone back, I expect the Marlins to be less pitiful.
4. Atlanta Braves (72-90): Call me cynical, but I don’t buy into fire sale rebuilds in franchises with empty stadiums. The Atlanta Braves are on their way to becoming a modern day Tampa Bay Rays. Either way, this will not be their year.
5. Philadelphia Phillies (70-92): The Philadelphia Phillies had a decent run a few years ago, which allowed Philadelphia fans to do a lot of talking. Now, they’re the only type of Philadelphia fans that people like – the quiet, disappointed ones who only pop up once in a while to criticize the franchise.
NL Central:
1. Chicago Cubs (95-67): I want to believe in the Chicago Cubs. I think it’s cool that they made some big moves this offseason and with Boston out from under the curse I so enjoyed, it feels like the Cubs just deserve a World Series. That said, this is the toughest division in baseball.
2. Pittsburgh Pirates (92-70): I also like rooting for the Pittsburgh Pirates. A team with one of the worst owners in sports history is winning despite years of high profits and low roster salaries and I think that’s good for the sport. I expect another exciting season from a very good team.
3. St. Louis Cardinals (90-72): The Cardinals are older and the rotation is once again dealing with injuries, but I’m not crazy enough to bet against this franchise. All they do is win, and despite the tough division I can’t help but think they’ll find a way. Still, the core is getting up in years and is ready for a step back.
4. Cincinnati Reds (66-96): The Reds lineup is anchored by one of the best hitters in baseball, but the rest of the roster is filled with holes. The bullpen took a big step backwards, and the rotation will need to carry the load if they will compete. I don’t think there’s enough talent here.
5. Milwaukee Brewers (65-97): The Brewers are terrible and I hate them. I hate Ryan Braun, I hate their stupid glove and ball nonsense logo, and I hate Milwaukee’s Best beer. This franchise will continue to struggle in 2016.
AL West
1. Arizona Diamondbacks (89-73): Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller are probably the best 1-2 punch in the division and the lineup is starting to look a little bit exciting. I think they have enough pieces to steal the division.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (88-74): The Dodgers will need to make a move to win this division. They have fallen behind, lost an ace pitcher, and will need to reload. The lineup hasn’t been enough in disappointing playoff showings.
3. San Francisco Giants (86-76): A couple of free agent pitchers make the Giants look a lot like the type of Giants teams that won those World Series. Still, this team can’t hit and the division is probably too good.
4. San Diego Padres (84-78): This team is too good to be this bad, right? A few disappointing pitchers and a bad hitters park and suddenly a roster built to win now imploded. I think they’ll be better, but not a playoff team.
5. Colorado Rockies (74-88): Someone has to take the fall in this division and I guess it’s the Rockies. I’m big on their young shortstop, I like their young third baseman, I like the way this team can mash, but nobody can pitch here. They’ll struggle again, even if my fantasy team is rooting for them to score 10 runs a game.
P.S. Upgrade to Zcode VIP Club and Unlock All Winning Picks. Instant Access.
